 Three Hesston College students listen to directions from industrial arts faculty member Freedley Schrock (right). |
April 23, 2007
What was constructed in 1941 as an industrial arts building on the Hesston College campus will be leveled 66 years later to make way for the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts.
Campus Facilities Director Jim Mason said demolition of the building will begin in early to mid May. Interested persons may watch the demolition as long as they remain behind safety barriers. They are also welcome to take a brick or a piece of the building as a remembrance.
College historian John Sharp says the building was constructed in 1941 and dedicated November 28 of that year. Brothers Bob and Ivan Diller of Hesston said they helped in one way or another with the construction. They reported that the building was constructed for the industrial arts program.
Freedley Schrock (Ac25, 1927) served as faculty member for the program 1946-67. Prior to him, faculty included Joseph Byler (1940-41) and Eli Stoltzfus (1941-45).
Emeritus Professor Paul Friesen, visual arts professor from 1957-78, said the front (east) part of the building had a classroom, plus a paint finishing room that was later used as a photo dark room. The back (west) part housed a shop for industrial arts and mechanical drawing.
The building had multiple uses when former faculty member Herb Zook served at the college 1967-73. Zook said he taught woodworking, engineering and architectural drawing, and residential wiring (accompanying the residential housing program). He also reported that the east end of the building housed a crafts program for awhile, including a leather shop.
In more recent years, the former industrial arts building has been used for storage.
Demolition of the 3,000-square foot building will allow for construction of the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts, named after Paul and Wilma Friesen in honor of Paul, who began the visual arts department at the college 50 years ago.
Construction of the new building is expected to begin in May. Completion of the estimated $2 million dollar facility is anticipated for April 2008, with occupancy anticipated for June 2008.